PERISCOPE VIEW
The Newsletter of the Barrow-in Furness Branch of the Submariners Association
Patron: Admiral the Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE DL
Issue No: 164 www.submarinersassociation.co.uk February 2014
BRANCH OFFICIALS
Hon President: John V Hart 01229 821831
BARROW BRANCH COMMITTEE
Chairman: Membership Secretary: Social Secretary: Dave Barlow 01229 831196 Mick Mailey 01229 821290 Alex Webb 01229 839551 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Vice Chairman: Lay Chaplain: Committee Members Ken Collins 01229 823454 Alan Jones 01229 462150 Mick Dack 01229 823202 [email protected] [email protected] Jeff Thomas 01229 464493 Jan Mead 01229 470954 Secretary: Newsletter Editor: Ron Hiseman 01229 828664 Barrie Downer 01229 820963 Welfare Team: [email protected] [email protected] Alan Jones Mick Mailey Treasurer: Website Manager: Mick Mailey 01229 821290 Ron Hiseman 01229 828664 Standard Bearers: [email protected] [email protected] Bob Palmer Ginge Cundall Cover Picture: HMS ASTUTE and HMS TRIUMPH in the Clyde Exercise Areas CHAIRMANS DIT – FEBRUARY 2014
My plea in the last newsletter for some decent weather in the New Year has obviously fell on deaf ears upstairs. It has poured cats ‘n’ dogs pretty well non-stop for as long as I can remember, well my memory scan only goes back about 3 months. Do you like the ‘new look’ branch newsletter now called Periscope View? Barrie has taken on the almost impossible challenge of continuing Ben Britten’s great newsletters and has come up trumps in my opinion. Although different to Ben’s style it is a good read and I hope appeals to you all. If you have any comments or constructive criticism then please let Barrie or me know so that they can be addressed. Not a lot has happened so far this year. During the weekend just gone four of us went up to Faslane for the K13 Weekend and their weather was worse than ours such that we all got soaked at Elder Park in Glasgow on Saturday morning and the Faslane Cemetery Service on Sunday morning had to be cancelled. However as I understand Bob Faragher is writing a dit on the weekend I will say no more. There is one thing I must tell you about though. I discovered that I was suffering from censillicaphobia (google it) but was very reassured to find that with the weekend activities and with the help of some friends I managed to be cured. The phobia could of course reappear at any time without warning but now I know the cure I am sure all will be well. I have received more thank you letters and cards from our widows who all expressed their delight in receiving a Christmas Hamper and all asked me to convey their best wishes to the Branch members. If you wish to attend the National Reunion in March then you have just a few days to let me know. I have to declare the room requirements just after our February Branch meeting and any rooms not sold will be released. Jan Mead is doing very well as our slops guru and has already made a few bob for the branch. A ‘BZ’ to Jan. If you want any slops then just see him and he will sort it out for you. He has already got some new lines like woolly hats, baseball caps, bomber jackets etc. I got a Bomber Jacket for Crimbo and it is really smart. I will have it at the February meeting if anybody wants a shufty. Now it is only two months to our own branch AGM. If you have any proposals you would like to make then let Ron, or in his absence Barrie Downer, know so that it can be included on the agenda. Is there anything you would like to see changed to improve the branch? Don’t sit back grumping into your beer if there is something you don’t like; let us know. At this year’s AGM it is the three year period for the Chairman to be re-elected or a new one elected. I have advised the Secretary that it is my intention to stand for re-election. I have enjoyed the past three years, which seem to have flown by and feel I can carry on for a while yet. Well that’s all for now. Dave
And - to finish off here are a few one liners.
1. Marriage changes passion - suddenly you're in bed with a relative. 2. I earn a seven-figure salary. Unfortunately, there's a decimal point involved. 3. I live in my own little world, but it's ok, they know me here. 4. "I saw a large woman wearing a sweatshirt with 'Guess' on it. I said, 'Thyroid problem?'" 5. Dyslexia means never having to say that you're yrros. 6. If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the 'Terminal'? 7. Regular naps prevent old age.....especially if you take them while driving. 8. I don't approve of political jokes... I've seen too many of them get elected. 9. The most precious thing we have is life. Yet it has absolutely no trade-in value. 10. I have learned there is little difference in wives, you might as well keep the first. 11. If life deals you lemons, make lemonade; if it deals you tomatoes, make Bloody Marys. 12. Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. BRAZILIAN SUBMARINES From Steven ‘Daisy’ May
Hope all well back there in sunny Barrow. I am currently on the Cunard Ship, Queen Victoria in South America heading for Cape Horn in a couple of days. We were in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on the 24th January and looks like the Brazilian Navy were also alongside. I took a pic from our bridge of a couple of their submarines berthed not far from us and have attached the same along with a little info I dug off the web about the submarines. The one nearest to us is: S33 - TAPAJO which was commissioned in 1999 and a TUPI Class Brazilian SSK. Not sure of the name of the other one. Anyway thought I would send this along to you and not sure if you want to use it in the next newsletter but you or some of the others may find it of interest. Hope to see everyone soon.
SSK Tupi Class, Brazil. Key Data TIKUNA was finally launched in March 2005 and The Brazilian Navy's submarine force is based at Base commissioned in December 2005. Almirante Castro e Silva, Mocangue Island, which is near TORPEDOES Niteroi, just across the bay to the east of Rio de Janeiro. The TUPI and TIKUNA are equipped with eight bow The first of class submarine, TUPI (S30), was designed tubes fitted with a swim-out discharge system. Sixteen and built in Kiel, Germany, by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche torpedoes are carried, eight in the tubes and eight ready Werft (HDW) and commissioned into the Brazilian for reloading. The Instituto de Pesquisas da Marhina Navy in 1989. The Arsenal de Marinha naval shipyard in (IPqM), the Naval Research Institute of the Brazilian Rio de Janeiro constructed the TAMOIO (S31), Navy, has designed an anti-submarine torpedo which can commissioned in 1994, TIMBIRA (S32), commissioned be carried on the TUPI submarines. The torpedoes have in 1996, and TAPAJO (S33), commissioned in 1999. a range of 18km and speed of 45kt. "The ‘TUPI’ Class is capable of launching the BAE The TUPI is also capable of launching the BAE Systems Systems Mk24 Tigerfish Mod 1 or Mod 27 torpedo." Mk24 Tigerfish Mod 1 or Mod 27 torpedo. The The ‘Improved TUPI’ Class was to consist of two Tigerfish has an acoustic seeker in the nose and is wire- submarines – TIKUNA (S34) and TAPUIA. However, guided. Data is downloaded from the submarine budget cuts by the Brazilian Ministry of Defence led to weapon control station to the torpedo's onboard the cancellation of the TAPUIA and a halt in computer. The torpedo is armed with a 134kg PBXN construction of the TIKUNA. 105 warhead from BAE Systems. As the torpedo reaches to the target, a magnetic proximity fuse and an The submarine is equipped with two Mod 76 periscopes impact fuse detonates the warhead. The speed of the supplied by Kollmorgen. The I-band navigation radar is torpedo is 25kt in passive mode and 35kt to 50kt in the Thales Calypso III. active seeker mode. The range of Tigerfish is within "The TUPI and TIKUNA are equipped with eight bow 14km to 40km. tubes fitted with a swim-out discharge system." The TIKUNA was to be armed with Saab Bofors The submarine's hull-mounted sonar is the CSU-83/1 Torpedo 2000 heavyweight torpedo. The initial contract from Atlas Elektronik. The search-and-attack sonar for the torpedo, signed in 1999, was cancelled in operates at medium frequency in both active and passive September 2004. It can also be armed with MCF- modes. The cylindrical bow hydrophone array is passive 01/100 acoustic-magnetic mines supplied by IPqM, and provides 360° coverage. An active transducer array which can be carried in lieu of torpedoes. The in the sail of the submarine provides a 30° coverage. submarine's weapon control system is BAE Systems The system also has three flank arrays on both the port KAFS-A 10 control system. and starboard sides and an intercept sonar. In January 2008, Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and PROPULSION Sensors was awarded a contract for five integrated The TUPI Class submarines are powered by four 12V combat systems for the TUPI and TIKUNA Class 493 AZ80 GAA31L diesel engines developed by MTU, submarines. The new combat system will enable firing four Siemens alternators rated at 1.8MW and a Siemens the thirty Mk48 Mod 6 advanced technology torpedoes 3.4MW motor. The propulsion system provides a that were requested in September 2005. surface speed of more than 10kt and a submerged speed COUNTERMEASURES of 24kt. The radar warning receiver on the TUPI and the The ‘Improved TUPI’ (TIKUNA) class submarine is TIKUNA is the DR-4000 supplied by Thales (formerly equipped with very high-capacity batteries developed by Thomson-CSF) of Malakoff, France. The DR-4000 is a Varta and featuring glass fibre-reinforced plastic lead modular electronic support measures system covering C acid battery cells. Propulsion is diesel-electric with four to J-bands. The antennae include a single MTU 12V 396 diesel engines providing 2.76MW. This omnidirectional antenna surrounded by 12 directional gives a 30% increased range compared to the four TUPI antennae. submarines. The TIKUNA is capable of an 11,000-mile SUBMARINE SENSORS range surfaced at an economical speed of 8kt. The range at 4kt dived is in excess of 400 miles. ______SECRETARY’S REPORT April is now on the horizon and our AGM is fast approaching. If you have any suggestions for rule changes can you please let me have them by the March meeting so your Committee can discuss them and make any recommendations on the suggestions. As stated in the last newsletter the Chairman’s position is up for re-election and our current Chairman Dave has
expressed his wish to remain in post. Hi, Another month has passed and we are now into I hope to make the next meeting and send my thanks to February already, I don’t know where the time is going Barrie for standing in for me when business takes me nowadays. There are now three Centenary celebrations away. being held in Australia and Canada this year. Ottawa in There is a Committee Meeting next Tuesday 11th August, Halifax in October and Perth in November. February to discuss the National AGM, Dave will call Anyone interested in visiting any of these events please the meeting. let me know to see if anyone one else in the Branch is attending. Regards, Ron ______SOCIAL SECRETARY
The first event for 2014 is the ‘First Footing’ to Morecambe Friday 7th Feb so get your name down. I have the coach which has only 2 seats left. Cost for the evening is £5 for the driver; gives you transport from RBL via pick up points to Morecambe and then back to your door step at the end of the evening. The corporate footie will be Saturday 22nd Feb and is against Oxford City; who has NEARLY lost more than Hi Shipmates we have. It is a stonking good day. Starts at 1pm with a complimentary bar, pre match meal and wine, match day Diary Check: programme, talk from Barrow AFC management, reserved seating, half time drink and eats, and a speakers both from our membership and imported with complimentary bar until we get thrown out; approx 6pm. background music only in between ‘dits’. This event is Cost is £30: if I can get over 25 people coming I will aimed at all (male & female), but specifically at members negotiate further reductions. Limited to a maximum of who do not want to go to a disco or place where a 40 persons, the list is open and will close at the February female guest is perceived as being part of the dress code. Meeting. If you like football this is great, if you want to It is limited to 50 on a first come basis and costs £30. support the local team this is for you, if you just like to This will be a formal function but not a ‘black tie’ affair. drink, eat, and get a bit of fresh air whilst watching 22 List is now open. lads (to begin with) kick a bag of wind around whilst I have booked the luxury canal boat party, the date has having a laugh then this is a must. Payment to me ASAP changed from the Sat 10th May to Sat 17th May; this is to no later than the Feb meeting. de-conflict it with the Keswick to Barrow run. Which Friday 14th March is a night at the Dogs; similar to the includes transport to and from Barton (near Lancaster), horses but smaller jockeys. As with the Christmas bash 1 and half hour cruise with food, a one hour stop over at this will be free to members and their first guest; all a the Old tithe barn in Garstang and then 1 and half others entry is free but will be charged £3 if food is hour cruise back with live entertainment on the way required - ticket needed for food. The night is a fund home (total time 4 hours). The cost is £35 but will be raiser for Motor Neurone Disease and the Association; subsidised by the social fund to JUST £30; this is going profit will be split equally between the two. I will be to be a great afternoon/evening out and is limited to the giving out the tickets at the meetings, again please only first 50. Only 8 places left and the food selection will be take them if you are going to attend as catering (Kath from the hot choices. Brown’s pie and peas – best in the county) will be As always at the meetings I run a raffle and the members ordered on the strength of the list. These are really good (free) draw which in February has rolled over to £25; all evenings with lots of fun and we really need your you have to do to win is be there, have paid your subs support. If you can't come along then maybe you would and get your number drawn – easy, ask Kenny Collins. like to be an owner or a milk maid £2 and £1 I need your support at these functions, so please put respectively with a return of £8 or £4; see me for details. them in your diary, get your name down and have a great The Members dinner is a 5 course dinner, with reception time. drink, ½ bottle of wine and copious amounts of port at Alex Webb. the Crofters in Holbeck, The entertainment will be
FIRE DAMAGED SUBMARINE RETURNS TO CANADIAN NAVY AFTER NEARLY A DECADE
From The Canadian Press 1st January 2014 excruciating journey since Jean Chretien's Liberal government announced in 1998 it would buy four A newly rebuilt HMCS CHICOUTIMI is set to return to surplus diesel-electric boats from the Royal Navy in what Canada's naval fleet nearly 10 years after a deadly fire was heralded at the time as a great bargain for Canadian aboard the second-hand warship effectively crippled the taxpayers. The poor condition of the mothballed Canadian navy's submarine program. submarines, they were rusty, prone to flooding and one The resurrection of the British-built vessel, which had a dented hull, tarnished the reputation of the boats. became emblematic of the sorry state of Canadian But it was the fire aboard CHICOUTIMI in October military equipment in 2004, has the Department of 2004, which killed Lt. Chris Saunders and sent two other National Defence contemplating for the first time how sailors to hospital that nearly scuttled the program best to employ its controversial subs. One internal entirely. A subsequent military board of inquiry found defence proposal foresees deploying the undersea that an open hatch allowed sea water from a rogue wave warships to far-flung oceans, patrolling trouble spots the to wash down the conning tower and inundate poorly way the navy's frigates do today. CHICOUTIMI has insulated high-voltage wires, triggering the fire. Still, the been fully repaired and upgraded, says the navy's top 700-page report blamed no one for the tragedy, which commander. It entered the water in late Nov after three occurred off Ireland during the ship's voyage to Halifax. years of work, a return that is about two years behind the The initial estimate to repair the boat was pegged at $15 navy's original schedule. The submarine is in the process million in 2005, but internal documents suggest the price of being turned over to the military and the crew is tag could run to more than $125 million, including expected to begin sea trial in waters off Esquimalt, B.C. removal of all fire-damaged components. Originally over the next few weeks, Vice-Admiral Mark Norman commissioned as HMS UPHOLDER, the ship has spent told the Canadian Press in a recent interview. the bulk of its nearly 28-year existence either in dry-dock CHICOUTIM will, however, be restricted to shallow- or tied up to a wharf. water diving for the foreseeable future. It's been a long,
Devonport Dockyard Radiation Incident Three workers accidently inhaled radioactive material for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) found the incident to be whilst moving a large submarine component at a “minor accidental intake” but in its quarterly site report Devonport Dockyard. Inspecting authority, the Office it detailed further improvements for the yard. The accident happened when a large component from Work Regulations and Operating Instructions. ONR the submarine was being manoeuvred within the new served DRDL with an improvement notice last year equipment maintenance storage facility. An accidental following incidents at the Submarine Refit Complex and tear in a plastic sheet covering the component saw a 9 Dock facilities and also in relation to the findings of small amount of radioactive matter released – some of routine compliance inspections. which was inhaled by the men concerned. Since the Improvement Notice was served, the authority All three were subject to chest monitoring and the doses said DRDL has “responded positively” by appointing they received ranged between less than 10 and 50 micro dedicated resource to manage delivery of an Sieverts – the measure for the biological effect of improvement programme. The ONR said it intends to radiation. The Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited maintain close engagement to ensure the improvements (DRDL) maximum daily dose is 500 micro Sieverts. The are made by the March 31st deadline. Babcock statutory limit is 20,000 micro Sieverts per year. International Group, which is responsible for running An independent internal investigation was carried out by the site, was not available for comment. both DRDL and the ONR. A number of improvements Plymouth Herald 5th Jan 2014 were identified concerning risk assessment and the ARMED FORCES REDUNDANCIES 2014 handling of that component and similar components. The fourth Tranche of Armed Forces Redundancies The ONR report stated: “Whilst the incident warrants amounting to just over 1,500 service personnel was no formal enforcement action, in accordance with announced by the Ministry of Defence on 23rd January regulatory guidance, ONR intends to write to DRDL to 2014. Notifications will be given to those affected on ensure recommendations are actioned promptly.” The 12th June 2014. This Tranche predominantly affects report was based on events from July to September Army personnel plus a small number of medical and 2013. dental staff in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. It is understood that the Royal Navy personnel to be made redundant amounts to some ten personnel. This will be the last Tranche of redundancies. ______DISCLAIMER This Newsletter is published by the Submariners Association (Barrow in Furness) and is © 2014. The opinions expressed in these pages are not necessarily the opinion of the Editor, The Submariners Association, the MoD or the Submarine Service unless otherwise stated. The Submariners Association may not agree with the The report detailed other concerns and shortcomings at opinions expressed in this Newsletter but encourages the yard including the departures of a number of publication as a matter of interest. experienced senior staff members. It stated that human Nothing printed may be construed as policy or an official resources had been of “long-standing regulatory interest” announcement unless so stated. Otherwise the to the ONR. Association accepts no liability on any issue in this During this quarter ONR met with a number of DRDL Newsletter. senior managers to discuss management of nuclear ______capability at the site. “ONR has rated this area of the News Letter Contact Information organisational capability management arrangements as being below standard,” the report read. It continued to Do you have a story to tell or have information you feel state that despite some improvements, inspectors will should appear in the Newsletter then ring Barrie Downer visit the site to “determine if any further regulatory on 01229 820963 or if you wish to send me an article my action is required”. postal address is listed above under Committee The overall inspection to DRDL’s examination, Members. You may also send your contribution by e- inspection, maintenance and testing of structures, mail to me [email protected]. Come on systems and components important to safety was – every Submariner has a story to tell – some more than considered “below standard”. one! Let’s see yours in print! The report read: “The inspection identified examples of Constructive suggestions about the newsletter are also relevant good practice being used however it also found very welcome. The newsletter will be published in the some areas where there were still shortfalls in the last week of each month i.e the last week February for arrangements and where improvement could be made. the March 2014 issue. Please ensure you have any “ONR has written to DRDL providing details of its information with me by the 15th of each month to inspection findings with the expectation that DRDL will ensure its inclusion in the next issue. Thank you to address the shortfalls and consider the identified areas everyone who contributed to this edition – keep them for improvement.” stories coming DRDL was also picked up on for “not being fully compliant” with the Management of Health and Safety at
Submarine Victoria Cross Holders of WWI
This is the second article of a series in this, the 100th year since the outbreak of the 1st World War, commemorating those Submariners who were awarded the Victoria Cross during that War. Lieutenant Edward Courtney Boyle, VC, Royal HMS St VINCENT (1st Battle Squadron) – Captain Navy William Fisher, Royal Navy. Edward Boyle was born at Carlisle, Cumberland (now Edward Boyle returned to Submarines on 25th Mar 1914 Cumbria) on 23rd Mar 1883 and he was the son of he was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS Lieutenant Colonel Edward Boyle. At the time of the ADAMANT (8th Submarine Flotilla) at Portsmouth ‘for 1891 Census he was listed as a boarder at 1, Castle Street, Submarine D3 in Command’. After the outbreak of the Deal in Kent. He was educated at Cheltenham College First World War HMS ADAMANT moved bases to and he joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on 15th May Harwich. Edward Boyle was then appointed to the 1898 (1897 according to The Naval Who’s Who 1917) Submarine Depot Ship MAIDSTONE (8th Submarine and was promoted Midshipman on 15th Sep 1899. At Flotilla) at Harwich ‘for Submarine E14 in Command’ on the time of the 1901 Census he was listed as a 19th Oct 1914. During his time in Submarine E14 Boyle Midshipman serving in the 12,350 ton Twin Screw Battle was ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’ for a patrol in the Heligoland Ship HMS RENOWN – the Flag Ship on the North Bight. After working in the North Sea Submarine E14 America and West Indies Station. He was promoted to was sent to the Dardanelles, leaving Harwich on 27th Mar Sub Lieutenant on 15th Sep 1902. Sub Lieutenant Boyle 1915 in company with Submarines E11 and E15, and was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS arriving at MUDROS on 9th Apr 1915. Submarine E14 THAMES ‘Additional for Training’ on 4th Jul 1904. He first completed the passage of the Dardanelles and was promoted Lieutenant on 15th Dec 1904 having entered the Sea of Marmora on 27th Apr 1915 remaining achieved two ‘Firsts’. On 20th Mar 1905 he was there until 18th May 1915. A second patrol was made in appointed to HMS THAMES at Portsmouth ‘for the Marmora from 10th Jun 1915 to 3rd Jul 1915. Edward Submarines’. On 16th Jun 1905 Edward Boyle was further Courtney Boyle, Royal Navy was promoted Commander appointed to HMS THAMES ‘for Command of Submarine on 30th Jun 1915 for his Dardanelles efforts as well as attached’. This was followed by an appointment to the being awarded the Victoria Cross - see London Gazette Submarine Depot Ship HMS MERCURY (Portsmouth dated 21st May 1915 for his first Dardanelles patrol. Submarine Flotilla) ‘for Command of Submarines’ to date 18th Sep 1906. He was next appointed the Submarine Admiralty, 21st May, 1915. Depot Ship HMS THAMES at Sheerness for ‘Submarine C4 in Command’ on 1st Oct 1907. After this he returned The KING has been graciously pleased to approve to the Surface Fleet for his ‘Big Ship’ time with an of the grant of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant- appointment to the 12,950 ton Battle Ship HMS Commander Edward Courtney Boyle, Royal OCEAN on 10th Nov 1908. This appointment lasted Navy, for the conspicuous act of bravery specified until 27th Jan 1910. below: For most conspicuous bravery, in command of Submarine E. 14, when he dived his vessel under the enemy minefields and entered the Sea of Marmora on the 27th April, 1915. In spite of great navigational difficulties from strong currents, of the continual neighbourhood of hostile patrols, and of the hourly danger of attack from the enemy, he continued to operate in the narrow waters of the Straits and succeeded in sinking two Turkish gunboats and one large military transport.
st th A third patrol of 24 days took place from 21 Jul to 12 His next Submarine appointment was to the Submarine Aug 1915 by which time Submarine E14 (with Boyle and Depot Ship HMS VULCAN (Submarine Section VII at his crew) had spent a total of seventy days in the inland Chatham ‘for Submarine C29 in Command’ to date 15th sea. Edward Boyle left Submarine E14 in 1916 when he Mar 1910. Edward Boyle was married to Marjorie W handed over command to Lieutenant Commander Leigh in Marylebone, London in 1912. He had left Geoffrey Saxton White. On returning home Edward Submarine C29 by 21st Nov 1911 when he was Boyle was appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS appointed to the Submarine Depot Ship HMS TITANIA (11th Submarine Flotilla) at Blyth ‘for BONAVENTURE Submarine Section II at Haulbowline Submarines’ on 10th Aug 1916 and then for ‘Submarine J5 in in Ireland for ‘Submarine D2 in Command’. He was Command’ to date 18th Sep 1916. He left Submarine J5 promoted Lieutenant Commander on 15th Dec 1912. and was appointed to HMS DOLPHIN on 12th Oct On 8th Feb 1913 he was returned to General Service 1918. On 28th October 1918 he was appointed to the when he was appointed to the 19,250 ton Battle Ship Submarine Depot Ship HMS PLATYPUS ‘refitting and as Commander, Platypus Flotilla’. Edward Boyle was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’ – see London Gazette dated 29th Oct 1918 ‘for service in Submarines’. Edward Boyle Thanks to John Hart, Bob Pointer, Alex Webb, Gordon survived the War and, in January 1919 he was serving Walker for helping out at the Barrow & District under the Australian Government as the Commanding Disability Information Day in the Forum last Friday. Officer of the Submarine Depot Ship HMAS Thanks also to Terry Spurling for arranging delivery of PLATYPUS to which he was appointed on 28th Oct the display screens from BAE 1918. He was re-appointed to HMAS PLATYPUS on The new series of the biographies of World War One 25th Mar 1919 ‘in Command’ and ‘for Command of Australian Submariner VC’s continues this month with the story of Submarine Flotilla’ and then sailed for Australia with the Edward Courtney Boyle, VC. Flotilla of six ‘J’ Class Submarines which were ‘gifted’ to Please enjoy your Branch Newsletter and don’t forget the Royal Australian Navy. Edward Boyle was promoted that you can help by sending in your contributions and to Captain on 30th Jun 1920. He returned home after the any comments you think relevant – polite ones only! Australian Submarine Flotilla was ‘Paid Off’ on 12th Jul Barrie Downer 1922. In 1927 he was serving at the Royal Naval February Calendar Dockyard at Devonport as the ‘Assistant to the Captain of the Dockyard and as Assistant King’s Harbourmaster at Next Branch Meeting Tues 4th Feb Devonport and Berehaven’ to which he had been appointed th th First Footing – Morecambe Fri 7 Feb on 27 Mar 1926. In May 1928 he was listed without an th appointment. On 14th Aug 1929 he was appointed to the Committee Meeting Tues 11 Feb 25,000 ton Battle Ship HMS IRON DUKE ‘in Command’. SSAFA Cumbria Dinner Dance HMS IRON DUKE was being used as a sea-going Where? - Netherwood Hotel, Grange over Sands Gunnery Firing Ship. He was listed without an When? - Sat 8th March at 7.00pm for 7.30pm (Drinks appointment in July 1932 and, on 18th Oct 1932 he was reception at 7.00pm) placed on the Retired List with the rank of Rear Admiral. How much? - £39.00 per person - which includes a He was recalled for further service during WWII and, on donation to SSAFA Cumbria 24th Aug 1939 Rear Admiral (Retired) Edward Boyle was How? - please contact Alan Hoskins at email appointed to HMS PEMBROKE ‘for Miscellaneous Duties’. [email protected] or Tel 01229588792 He reverted to the Retired List in June 1943. Edward Cheques made payable to SSAFA Cumbria Courtney Boyle died following an accident on 15th Dec What to wear? - Black tie 1967 when he was knocked down by a lorry on a Please note that the Netherwood are offering a very pedestrian crossing at Ascot, Berkshire. He died of his good rate for those attending the Dinner Dance. injuries on the following day at the age of eighty four. If any more information is required then please contact His funeral took place at the Woking Crematorium in Alan Hoskins directly. Surrey. HMS TALENT BACK HOME Edward Courtney Boyle’s Victoria Cross By Rebecca Ricks, Plymouth Herald and other medals are on display in the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Submarine HMS TALENT arrived back in Plymouth on Gosport, Hants. Monday 27th January 2014 after a seven month ______deployment in the Mediterranean. Branch Birthdays January 2014 The families of dozens of Devonport submariners who missed Christmas and New Year at home have been M.G (Mike) Fleming 03/02 reunited with their men. M Benge 14/02 L Dennett 19/02 D. (Yorky) Thornton 20/02 W.P. (Billy) Daniels 24/02 J.N. (Nick) Marshall 28/02 A Webb 16/02 EDITORIAL Here we are with the second issue of the new format Barrow Branch Newsletter. I have been asked to make a couple of minor changes to the page listing the Branch Officer Holders and Committee Members but so far no- one has complained about the new format. Bob Faragher has given us his version of events at this HMS TALENT docked in HMNB Devonport this year’s K13 weekend – with his usual slightly irreverent having last been in Plymouth waters in August 2013. version of events! Around one hundred families waited patiently on the Daisy May has sent in an article about the Brazilian jetty as the nuclear-powered boat was guided into dock Submarines at their Base in Niteroi. He is off round by the base’s tugs. Cape Horn next and will send in some pictures for the One of those eager to catch a glimpse of their next issue. submariner were Rosie Plowman and her two daughters Amelia and Poppy. The family from Torpoint were reunited with marine engineer Joe who has been at sea obvious. It made me wonder if this should not be against the since November. Geneva Convention - to treat captive Submariners in this way! Rosie said: "Christmas was really hard but we managed and the children were able to Skype him on Christmas Day. "The girls have been really excited to have him home." Also waiting to be reunited were Kerry Hill and her daughters Jessica and Lydia for Petty Officer Stuart Hill. Kerry said: "It's hard having him away but you get used to it. The girls miss him a lot and they've been so excited to see him ever since we've started counting down. "It's lovely having him back, we are all going to Euro Disney for a family holiday in February." Samantha Reed was reunited with Leading Chef Shane Reed with the couple's daughter Evie. Samantha said: "It wasn't very nice with him being away for Christmas. It's The K13 Mass Grave at Garelochhead great he is back." Eventually, we were released under escort to proceed to The submarine has been conducting operations in the the Mess. We had to park in the Upper Car Park and Gulf promoting peace and security as well as working in climb down quite a number of steps which resembled the Mediterranean. Niagara Falls, with a small lake at the bottom of each. During that time she has made port visits and worked We were billeted in the old Wardroom Mess, and given with Royal Navy and foreign navies on exercises and plastic debit card type keys which, we discovered, would operations while continuing to provide flexibility and actually open any door in the block! So much for potential firepower, if needed at short notice. security! The accommodation itself was fine, unlike the The deployment began with a period of training and weather; it’s just that in view of the water ingress being exercises in the Mediterranean aimed at generating the suffered by the Base, it was situated much too far from fighting capability of her 130-man crew, simulating the Bar. attacks with the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile system We had a nice meal, and mustered in the Bar to await the and Spearfish torpedoes. West of Scotland Branch meeting. Whilst waiting for the A highlight of training at sea was the chance for a few Meeting to be called we met up with old mates from sailors to spend time on board one of the Royal Navy’s other branches and told lies to each other - as is normal advanced Type 45 air defence destroyers HMS procedure. These Meetings are always appreciated and DRAGON when the submarine worked with the ship good to meet up with old shipmates. We eventually on trials and exercises with US Navy warships. went in to the Meeting which was presented by Jim The next port of call for TALENT was Souda Bay in McMaster as only he can! Whatever Jim talks about he Crete, before continuing to the Red Sea after exercising always makes it both interesting and entertaining. with Royal Navy aircraft and the Royal Navy frigate Commander SM1 gave a brief on the State of the HMS WESTMINSTER. Submarine Nation. In his view all is well and the future The submarine will conduct a six-week maintenance is secure with the ASTUTE Class and the TRIDENT period in Plymouth before conducting further training at Replacement Programme. ‘Continuous At Sea sea to ensure she and her crew are ready in all respects to Deterrence’ has now continued unbroken for 44 years, carry out whatever tasking is required. two ASTUTE Class Submarines are at sea and ASTUTE The K13 Weekend 2014 is on the verge of completing the last of the ‘First of This year’s K13 Weekend was attended by Barrie Class’ Acceptance Trials. He also reported that three Downer, Dave Barlow, Alan Jones, and Bob Faragher. female Officers are currently at sea in a Vanguard Class We set off from Barrow at around 1030 - three of us in Boat. It is expected that they will be awarded their Barrie’s car, Dave Barlow was travelling separately. The ‘Dolphins’ on return to Faslane. However larger journey north went very well; we seemed to escape most numbers of female Officers at sea are not anticipated in of the crappy weather. This was fine until we eventually the near future and it will be some years before female arrived at Dumbarton. That’s when it dawned on us that Ratings join boats. we had arrived during the Jockanese monsoon season! I am unable to record everyone who was in attendance, Little did we know it was destined to get much worse! but, in addition to the West of Scotland Branch and our We carried on undeterred, when as normal we arrived in selves, members attended from the Scottish, Scotland Helensburgh, parked up, and repaired to the Royal for little North East, Manchester and Espana Levante Branches. light refreshment. There were a few more Association The Northern Irish Branch produced half a dozen members also enjoying a swift tipple before carrying on to the members, all of whom most of us know. As we Base. We had been instructed to join the Base through the discovered later, they had even brought Tracy with them. South Gate on the low road. This we duly did. We were After the meeting, we went back to Kennedy’s Bar and greeted by the security guard, who promptly ushered us in to a enjoyed some much needed ale. It was a good evening, room full of other prisoners. Everyone seemed a bit confused. However, we were subject to the indignity of having to watch however most of us were pretty tired as it had been quite a safety video; this video went on to present the painfully a long day for a good many of us. We also had to remember that we needed to get up early in order to have breakfast and be ready to go to the Memorial we went over the ‘Haul Road’ down to Loch Lomond. Ceremony in Elder Park outside the old Fairfield True to form - as soon as we got to Dumbarton - the shipyard where K13 was built. This, unfortunately for rain stopped and the weather improved. The journey we of the Barrow contingent, proved to be another home was fine; we stopped at the usual watering hole for story. a coffee and then carried on. Barrie returned me home I’m not entirely sure what had gone wrong, but when we to Walney after one diversion to drop Alan off in British duly arrived at the Mess on Saturday morning, ready to West Askam. join the transport to Govan, the transport had left. We In many ways it was a disappointing visit, since we had therefore went to the reading room to discuss what had not been able to cover the entire planned programme gone wrong. Perhaps we had failed to take account of due to the weather, over which we had no control. the possibility that Alex Salmon had changed the time From a personal point of view I was less than impressed zone, or the more likely explanation was that we had with the general condition of the state of the Base. been too late! As it turned out, the Members who had Perhaps the Royal Navy should take it over!!! managed to get there returned in a half drowned state. It A MESSAGE FROM THE NORTHERN had precipitated all through the Ceremony which is IRELAND BRANCH conducted out of doors. We did feel somewhat guilty about not being there but reluctantly relieved that at least Hope all is well. Our Branch has decided to stage our we were dry. Annual Dinner in the Wellington Park Hotel again this After lunch we were invited to visit HM Submarine year, on the weekend of the 27th /28th June. I would be ASTUTE. A number of our members took up the offer, grateful if you could promulgate to all Members, and I and enjoyed the visit. The writer of this Dit however, ask that all those who wish to attend let me know as did not take up the offer and repaired to the Bar to soon as possible, so I have a rough idea of numbers to reflect on the visit so far. After yarning and spinning be catered for. Dits for the remainder of the rain soaked afternoon, it Our dinners have been well attended over the past two was time to go for a short ‘make and mend’ to prepare years and we hope to see many of you again. A full for the formal dinner in the Evening. programme of costs, hotel, dinner and beer will be We mustered for the ‘Punch reception’ in the mess prior forwarded when I have finalised negotiations with the to being called in to Dinner. It must be mentioned at Hotel Management, hence the need for numbers this stage, that the ‘Punch’ should be treated with respect attending. An early response from members wishing to as it can creep up on you later in the evening. Dinner attend is vital. was okay. We listened to the speeches which followed Thanking you in anticipation of a good response. the usual format. The only comment I would make was Yours aye, that when the Admiral rose to his feet to speak I Davy George - Northern Ireland Branch definitely noticed that he did not look old enough to A SUBMARINE draw his Tot! Also ‘Mad Dog’ gave a little yarn. Thankfully, none of them talked for too long and we Author Unknown were able to enjoy each other’s company and return to the Bar. We all had a good ‘craik’ in the Bar and Born in the shops of the Devil, eventually returned to the old Wardroom for the night. Designed in the brains of a fiend; It was at this stage, we discovered that the coded buttons Filled with acid and crude oil, which you have to press to get in to the building could And christened "A Submarine". be very uncooperative. It took us quite a while to get the door open - bearing in mind that it was precipitating The poets send in their ditties, furiously all the time. Eventually, however, we made it! Of Battleships spick and clean; The following morning, it was persisting it down again. But never a word in their columns, It was impossible to walk anywhere in the Base without Do you see of a submarine. getting soaked. When we arrived at the Mess, there was a discussion around the practicalites of going to the I'll try and depict our story, Cemetery in this kind of weather. We were told that In a very laconic way; there was likely to be a considerable amount of flood Please have patience to listen, water in the vicinity of the graves as they were at the Until I have finished my say. lower end of the Cemetery and water would be likely to be flowing down the hill. It was eventually decided to We eat where’re we can find it, conduct the whole of the Memorial Service in the Base And sleep hanging up on the hooks; Chapel and lay the wreaths there. They would be Conditions under which we're existing, transferred to the Cemetery when the weather and Are never published in books. conditions were suitable. Sadly this was the only alternative. This was duly carried out. Life on these boats is obnoxious, After Church, it was time for us to go. We had to leave And that is using mild terms; by the North Gate on this occasion as the South Gate We are never bothered by sickness, Road was flooded, which was fine because Barrie - our There isn't any room for germs. driver - is well educated in driving around Scotland, and
We are never troubled with varmints, Machinists get soaked in fuel oil, There are things even a cockroach can't stand. Electricians in H2SO4; And any self-respecting rodent, Gunners Mates with 600W, Quick as possible beats it for land. And torpedo slush galore.
And that little one dollar per dive, When we come into the Navy Yard, We receive to submerge out of sight; We are looked upon with disgrace; Is often earned more than double, And they make out some new regulations, By charging batteries at night. To fit our particular case.
And that extra compensation, Now all you Battleship sailors, We receive on boats like these; When you are feelin’ disgruntled and mean; We never really get at all, Just pack your bag and hammock, It's spent on soap and dungarees. And go to “A Submarine.”
______ASSOCIATION MEMBERS – CROSSED THE BAR – JANUARY 2013 RESURGAM Branch Date Name Rank/Rating O/N Age Submarine Service Non Member 3rd Jan Peter L (Pils) Marine TBA - Submarine Service in WARSPITE, 2014 Illingworth Engineering SWIFTSURE (1st Commission Crew) on 17th Artificer (P) Oct 1972 & SOVEREIGN 1st Class Portsmouth ** Jan Keith R A Leading Stores TBA 63 Submarine Service 1973 to 1990 in Branch 2014 Crisp Accountant SOVEREIGN (74 to 76 - 1st Commission Crew on 9th Jul 1974), ONYX (79 to 83) & SEALION (85 to 89) Non Member Jan 2014 Robin Hunter Lieutenant TBA 79 Submarine Service from Mar 1956 to 19th Jun Commander 1965 in AURIGA from Jul 1956, TRESPASSER from Sep 1958, DREADNOUGHT (from Nov 1960 - 1st Commission Crew in Apr 1963) Southampton 12th Jan Eric John Stoker 1st Class P/KX 90 Submarine Service from 1941 to 1946 in Branch 2014 (Hoppy) 146861 THRESHER, TRENCHANT & SOLENT Hopkins Merseyside Jan 2014 Alfred Clifford Acting LM(E) C/KX 88 Submarine Service from Jun 1948 to Nov Branch (Jimmy) Green 837340 1959 in TOKEN, STATESMAN, STURDY, THERMOPYLAE, SEASCOUT, THOROUGH, TAPIR & AMBUSH (on Re- commissioning) at Chatham on 10th Feb 1958 Medway Towns 15th Jan K W (Ken) Leading TBA 84 Submarine Service from 1948 in SENTINEL. Branch 2014 Simner Seaman ALDERNEY, THOROUGH, TRESPASSER, TACTICIAN & TEREDO West of Jan 2014 Bert S (Ned) Able Seaman D/JX 88 Submarine Service from Jul 1943 to Jun 1946 Scotland Kelly (TM) 563057 in SEA ROVER, STATESMAN & Branch VORACIOUS. Merseyside 28th Jan William (Bill) Stoker 1st P/KX 88 Submarine Service from Jul 1944 to Jun 1946 Branch 2014 McLoughlin Class 59804 in TUNA & SCOTSMAN Scotland North Jan 2014 Gordon J MEM1 D103211R 62 Submarine Service from 1975 to 1982 in East Branch Lowden RESOLUTION & REVENGE
2014 Submariner Association 100 years Submarine Celebration and General Meeting Event Calendar
Dates: August 22-23 2014 BACKGROUND To celebrate the 100 years of Canada operating submarines. Traditionally the SAOC Central has an annual BBQ to get together with our out of town members. 2014 being a special year for submarines the executive wanted to make this year a super BBQ by inviting all submariners from around the country and the world. The membership chose the Canadian War Museum as a fitting Venue to host submariners for this occasion. The President has invited a number of prominent Submariners the Minster of Defense and the Minister of Veteran affairs.
REGISTRATION Log on to the Central branch web site www.saoc-central.ca and complete the registration form. There will be a fee of $15 per person payable by cheque or money order. To complete registration, mail payment to the SAOC. You will receive confirmation when registration fee has been received. Children under the age of 5yrs may attend for free. Registration and refunds will be closed 14 days before the event.
VENUE
Canadian War Museum Ottawa 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa ON. K1A 0M8 http://www.warmuseum.ca/home.
There will be programs available for spouses covering the week end. Updates to menu`s, parking and Museum Tours will be promulgated on the SAOC website as they become finalized. For tourism information visit http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/
August Time Event Memorablia Food Notes Friday 1800-2200 Meet and Greet Souvenirs and Cash Bar Guest speakers to 22nd Le. Breton memorabilia Cocktail Food be announced Room tables Salad bar Saturday 1630- 1700 Annual General Cafeteria. Cash Bar 23rd The Mess meeting Souvenirs and memorabilia Tables Saturday 1700-2200 Annual BBQ Souvenirs and Cash Bar 1900 23rd The Mess memorabilia Steaks, Hot Up spirits. tables Dogs and hamburgers Salad Bar Sunday 10:00-11:00 Cafeteria style 24th The Mess Breakfast